Discover the Secret to a Healthier, Happier Life: The Dalmatian Way

When you visit the Dalmatian coast of Croatia, you will notice something special in the air. Life moves a little slower, people smile a little more, and the everyday rhythm feels lighter and more joyful. This is not just a coincidence—it’s part of the Dalmatian lifestyle, a way of living that supports health, happiness, and strong human connections.

At the heart of this lifestyle is the philosophy of pomalo, a local expression that means “take it easy” or “slowly, gently.” But pomalo is more than just a word. It is a mindset, a way of interacting with the world. It reminds us to pause, breathe, and enjoy the moment. In today’s fast-paced society, pomalo teaches us how to step back, reduce stress, and find balance.

What Makes the Dalmatian Lifestyle So Healthy?

The secret lies in a beautiful combination of healthy habits, nature, and culture. Dalmatians tend to live long, active lives filled with social interaction, nutritious food, and outdoor activity. This is not the result of strict routines, but of deeply rooted traditions passed on through generations.

Here are a few key habits that form the base of the Dalmatian way of life:

1. A Mediterranean Diet That Nourishes Body and Soul

Fresh vegetables, olive oil, fish, herbs, nuts, and seasonal fruits—these are everyday ingredients in a Dalmatian kitchen. Meals are slow, shared, and appreciated. Food is not only for nutrition but also for connection. Sitting around a table with family or friends, enjoying local recipes, creates a strong sense of community and emotional well-being.

2. Movement and Nature as Daily Medicine

You don’t have to go to the gym in Dalmatia to stay fit. Locals walk, swim, hike, and stay active naturally. Many people begin or end their day with a walk by the sea or light gardening. Being close to nature is not an event—it’s a part of everyday life. Movement is gentle, joyful, and linked with fresh air and beautiful surroundings.

3. Mindfulness Through Culture and Heritage

In Dalmatia, nematerijalna baština—intangible cultural heritage—is an important part of daily life. From traditional music (like klapa) to storytelling, dance, and customs, these cultural elements keep people emotionally connected to their roots and to each other. They promote reflection, gratitude, and emotional resilience.

4. Pomalo: The Art of Slowing Down

In the middle of a busy day, a Dalmatian might stop for a coffee, take a walk along the coast, or have a short conversation with a neighbor. This is not laziness—it’s pomalo. Slowing down allows people to manage stress better, to think more clearly, and to live more fully. It encourages us to stop rushing and start living.

Bringing the Dalmatian Way into Your Life and Classroom

Teachers and educators often feel the pressure of fast schedules, constant change, and emotional overload. That’s why the Dalmatian lifestyle offers more than just personal well-being—it provides tools for creating healthier school environments, stronger classroom communities, and happier students.

Imagine bringing pomalo into your school day—pausing before a lesson to take a breath, introducing short mindfulness activities, or simply reminding students (and yourself) that it’s okay to slow down. Healthy habits like mindful movement, better nutrition, outdoor learning, and emotional support can all start with small changes in your daily routine.

We Turned These Habits Into a Course for Teachers

Inspired by these powerful traditions, we have designed a new Erasmus+ course: Healthy Habits: Starting from the Classroom – Learn from the Mediterranean Lifestyle.
In this course, you will explore yoga, meditation, mindful eating, the Mediterranean diet, movement-based learning, and more—while experiencing the pomalo lifestyle firsthand.

Join us in Dalmatia to relax, recharge, and return home with tools to inspire both yourself and your students.